2024 Tourism Economy Generated $226 Million in Visitor Spending in Bartholomew County

According to a Rockport Analytics Economic Impact Assessment, tourism was one of Bartholomew County’s most powerful economic engines in 2024. Using the most recent data available, the assessment captures the full scope of tourism’s economic impact that year.

The assessment defines a “visitor” as someone who travels at least 50 miles one way to the destination OR completes an overnight stay in the destination.

In 2024, visitors spent $226 million in Bartholomew County, generating $127 million in total economic impact and supporting 2,690 local jobs making tourism the sixth-largest industry in the county. That activity also produced $22.6 million in state and local tax revenue, funding services that benefit every resident.


What does that mean in practical terms?

• For every dollar visitors spent, 56 cents came back directly to the local economy.
• For every dollar visitors spent, 36 cents went toward the paychecks of 2,690 Bartholomew County workers.
• Visitor spending saves each county household $687 per year in government costs, real tax relief for local families.

Leisure travel, sports tourism, and corporate travel all contributed to this growth, with direct visitor spending rising 4.1% over 2023, reflecting Bartholomew County's continued strength as a destination.

“Tourism is about so much more than visitor numbers, it's about connection and the vitality of our community,” said Misty Weisensteiner, CDME, Executive Director of Visit Columbus. “Every traveler who comes to our community supports a local restaurant, a small business owner, or a neighbor. They discover a piece of our history and leave with a piece of our story. National Travel & Tourism Week is a perfect reminder that when we invest in welcoming others, we invest in ourselves and in the people who make Columbus home."

Visit Columbus invites residents, businesses, and travelers alike to celebrate National Travel & Tourism Week and experience firsthand what makes Bartholomew County worth the trip. For more information about Visit Columbus and upcoming events, visit www.comeseecolumbus.com or @visitcolumbus on social media.

Visit Columbus works to inspire residents and visitors to experience Columbus and Bartholomew County as an ideal destination for leisure, sports, and travel while sharing the unique character of our community to create memorable and meaningful experiences.

Contact:
Erin Hawkins, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Communications
ehawkins@columbus.in.us, 812-371-7879